Kevin Spacey | The Guardianhttp://www.theguardian.com/culture/kevinspacey
Latest news and features from theguardian.com, the world's leading liberal voiceen-gbGuardian News and Media Limited or its affiliated companies. All rights reserved. 2015Tue, 03 Mar 2015 21:34:34 GMT2015-03-03T21:34:34Zen-gbGuardian News and Media Limited or its affiliated companies. All rights reserved. 2015The Guardianhttp://assets.guim.co.uk/images/guardian-logo-rss.c45beb1bafa34b347ac333af2e6fe23f.pnghttp://www.theguardian.com
House of Cards review: The best character on TV is backhttp://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/2015/mar/02/house-cards-review-best-character-tv-back-francis-underwood
Francis Underwood is now the most powerful politician in the world, and he’s doing his best to make sure he keeps the job – however difficult that proves<p>Screw you, Mr President, for messing with my job. How so? Because he, Francis Underwood (Kevin Spacey), and it, <strong>House of Cards</strong>, are so damn good they’ve changed the way&nbsp;we watch TV. The entire third series went up on <a href="https://www.netflix.com/gb/" title="">Netflix</a> on Friday. Maybe you pigged out over the weekend, devoured the lot obscenely. Or&nbsp;perhaps you exercised more self-discipline and restraint. It’s also possible you don’t do Netflix and you’re waiting for the box set.</p><p>All of which makes writing about it&nbsp;difficult; I’ve no idea how much, if any, you’ve seen. So, this is a sort of spoiler/non-spoiler alert, then. I semi-binged – three episodes – but I won’t give away anything important beyond the first. OK?</p> <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/2015/mar/02/house-cards-review-best-character-tv-back-francis-underwood">Continue reading...</a>TelevisionTelevision & radioCultureHouse of CardsDramaUS televisionKevin SpaceyNetflixMon, 02 Mar 2015 07:00:13 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/2015/mar/02/house-cards-review-best-character-tv-back-francis-underwoodPhotograph: NetflixThe all-powerful Underwoods ... House of Cards series three.Photograph: NetflixThe all-powerful Underwoods ... House of Cards series three.Sam Wollaston2015-03-02T07:00:13ZIt’s the return of House of Cards – but where can Frank go now?http://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/2015/mar/01/house-cards-third-series-kevin-spacey-netflix-review
At last, the third series of the US version of this intelligent political exposé is out on Netflix<p>The rain it raineth on the just, and on the unjust, fella. I won’t complete the rhyme, but in Britain this wet weekend there will be a good many couples getting down and dirtily duvet-hunkered, thanks to the long-awaited Netflix release of <em>House of Cards</em> series three.</p><p>There have been rational objections to it being released only on Netflix. Some dislike being forced to watch on small computer screens when there’s a perfectly lush, plasmatic greed-screen sitting uselessly in the corner (though a Chromecast dongle can fix that).</p> <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/2015/mar/01/house-cards-third-series-kevin-spacey-netflix-review">Continue reading...</a>House of CardsTelevisionDramaUS televisionKevin SpaceyCultureNetflixTelevision & radioMediaSun, 01 Mar 2015 00:03:03 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/2015/mar/01/house-cards-third-series-kevin-spacey-netflix-reviewPhotograph: David Giesbrecht/PRTrying to extend their stay in the White House: Kevin Spacey and Robin Wright in House of Cards, season three. Photograph: David GiesbrechtPhotograph: David Giesbrecht/PRTrying to extend their stay in the White House: Kevin Spacey and Robin Wright in House of Cards, season three. Photograph: David GiesbrechtEuan Ferguson, Observer TV critic2015-03-01T00:03:03ZHouse of Cards review: less innovative in its narrative than in its distributionhttp://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/2015/feb/27/house-of-cards-series-three-president-francis-underwood-kevin-spacey-robin-wright
<p>Season three of the Washington procedural launched on Friday, but the lack of ratings pressure on Netflix seems to have led to a lack of attention to tension</p><p><br />Breakfast television in Britain has traditionally meant a faux-married couple on a sofa interviewing celebrities between the news headlines. However, the decision of Netflix to release new seasons of its subscription-only hit House of Cards at midnight Los Angeles time meant that the American political drama became available in the UK at 8am, offering as alternative muesli viewing the spectacle of Kevin Spacey subverting American democracy.</p><p>Launched Friday morning, the third series picks up Spacey’s Francis ‘Frank’ Underwood after six months in the White House. Having conspired to gain the vice-presidency in the first run and the presidency during the second, the politician seems set to spend his third TV term desperately plotting to hold on to the Oval office.</p><p>How people watch House of Cards – and how many – would be fascinating to know, but Netflix is cagey with viewing data</p> <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/2015/feb/27/house-of-cards-series-three-president-francis-underwood-kevin-spacey-robin-wright">Continue reading...</a>House of CardsTelevisionTelevision industryNetflixKevin SpaceyTechnologyDramaUS televisionTelevision & radioCultureFri, 27 Feb 2015 16:41:27 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/2015/feb/27/house-of-cards-series-three-president-francis-underwood-kevin-spacey-robin-wrightPhotograph: NetflixKevin Spacey and Robin Wright as Frank and Claire Underwood in House of Cards season three.Photograph: NetflixKevin Spacey and Robin Wright as Frank and Claire Underwood in House of Cards season three.Mark Lawson2015-02-27T16:41:27ZHouse of Cards recap: season three, episode one – 'you have to be a little human'http://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/2015/feb/27/house-of-cards-recap-season-three-episode-one
<p>Frank has made it, all the way to the Oval Office, but how can he improve his plunging approval ratings? </p><p><em>SPOILER ALERT: Don’t read on if you haven’t seen season three, episode one of <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/house-of-cards">House of Cards</a>. Please do not leave spoilers for future episodes if you have seen further ahead.</em></p><p>Frank’s back, urinating on his dad’s headstone. He may now be the president of the United States, but he’s not above oedipal score-settling. Last season, Underwood revealed that, aged 13, he had gone into the family barn and found his selfish coward of a father with a gun in his mouth. Little Frank was invited by his father to administer the coup de grace. “My only regret in life is that I didn’t pull that trigger.”</p><p> <span>Related: </span><a href="http://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/2015/feb/26/will-house-cards-collapse-around-president-underwood-series-three">House of Cards season three primer: can a president get away with murder?</a> </p><p> <span>Related: </span><a href="http://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/2015/feb/12/house-of-cards-leak-netflix-marketing-ploy-gaffe">House of Cards leak: marketing ploy or gaffe? Either way Netflix wins</a> </p> <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/2015/feb/27/house-of-cards-recap-season-three-episode-one">Continue reading...</a>House of CardsDramaTelevisionCultureTelevision & radioUS televisionKevin SpaceyFri, 27 Feb 2015 09:24:32 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/2015/feb/27/house-of-cards-recap-season-three-episode-onePhotograph: NetflixFrank finds it’s lonely at the top.Photograph: NetflixFrank finds it’s lonely at the top.Stuart Jeffries2015-02-27T09:24:32ZViral video: House of Cards, Game of Thrones and Christina Aguilerahttp://www.theguardian.com/media/2015/feb/27/viral-video-house-of-cards-game-of-thrones-christina-aguilera
<p>Frank Underwood gets the Sesame Street treatment, Big Bird does Oscar-winning Birdman and Mary Poppins sings death metal </p><p>House of Cards fans will be glued to Netflix this week as <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/tvandradioblog/2014/dec/03/house-of-cards-season-three-preview-after-a-lacklustre-second-season-im-wary">the twisted story</a> of Frank Underwood (Kevin Spacey) and wife Claire (Robin Wright) and their Washington scheming continues for a third season. If the political machinations get too much, for a little light relief why not dip into <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=92NXMtVtv8o#t=12">Sesame Street’s parody of the story</a>.<br /></p><p>And if you can’t get enough of Bird Bird and co, take a look <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lnfAxUjRQAo">at the Birdman spoof</a>, featuring Caroll Spinney and the big yellow feathered one himself. <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/film/2015/feb/23/birdman-wins-big-two-oscars-but-ties-with-grand-budapest-hotel-for-awards-tally">Winning four Oscars</a> gives the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alejandro_Gonz%C3%A1lez_I%C3%B1%C3%A1rritu">Alejandro Gonz&aacute;lez I&ntilde;&aacute;rritu</a> film no immunity from parody.</p> <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/media/2015/feb/27/viral-video-house-of-cards-game-of-thrones-christina-aguilera">Continue reading...</a>Digital mediaMediaUK newsHouse of CardsGame of ThronesBirdmanWhiplashOscarsInternetDramaUS televisionNetflixKevin SpaceySesame StreetTelevision & radioFri, 27 Feb 2015 07:22:24 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/media/2015/feb/27/viral-video-house-of-cards-game-of-thrones-christina-aguileraPhotograph: prPhotograph: prJanette Owen2015-02-27T07:22:24ZKevin Spacey falls on feet with feline body-swap comedy Nine Liveshttp://www.theguardian.com/culture/2015/jan/29/kevin-spacey-body-swap-comedy-nine-lives
<p>As well as a final run at the Old Vic theatre, the actor is going to be spending 2015 on something a little less highbrow – a comedy in which he plays a businessman trapped in the body of a cat</p><p>Kevin Spacey is set to take part in a rich and enduring Hollywood tradition: the body-swap comedy. </p><p>In Nine Lives, directed by Men In Black’s Barry Sonnenfeld, he’ll play a businessman who, after being involved in a non-specific accident, ends up trapped in the body of a cat. Other details are scarce, but Sonnenfeld is <a href="http://www.thewrap.com/kevin-spacey-to-star-in-barry-sonnenfelds-comedy-nine-lives-exclusive/">calling it</a> a “funny, emotional, commercial comedy”. No word yet on whether the cat ends up walking around in Spacey’s body, but given the actor’s masterful aloofness, it could be an ideal role.</p> <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/culture/2015/jan/29/kevin-spacey-body-swap-comedy-nine-lives">Continue reading...</a>FilmKevin SpaceyStageComedyCultureTelevisionUS televisionComedyTelevision & radioThu, 29 Jan 2015 13:38:24 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/culture/2015/jan/29/kevin-spacey-body-swap-comedy-nine-livesPhotograph: Jeff Vespa/WireImageKevin Spacey with his 2015 Golden Globe for his performance in House of Cards.Photograph: Jeff Vespa/WireImageKevin Spacey with his 2015 Golden Globe for his performance in House of Cards.Ben Beaumont-Thomas2015-01-29T13:38:24ZKevin Spacey to return as Clarence Darrow for Old Vic swansonghttp://www.theguardian.com/stage/2015/jan/21/kevin-spacey-to-return-as-clarence-darrow-for-old-vic-swansong
<p>Star will resume the role for his final performances at the Old Vic while he is artistic director</p><ul><li><a href="http://www.theguardian.com/stage/2014/jun/05/clarence-darrow-kevin-spacey-review-old-vic-london">Clarence Darrow reviewed: Kevin Spacey shines in barnstorming performance</a></li></ul><p>Kevin Spacey was one of the hottest tickets in London when he performed just 22 performances of the one-man show Clarence Darrow back in June 2014. Now he’s returning to the Old Vic for a six-week second run from 3 March.</p><p> <span>Related: </span><a href="http://www.theguardian.com/stage/2014/may/22/matthew-warchus-kevin-spacey-old-vic-theatre">Matthew Warchus to take Kevin Spacey's role running the Old Vic</a> </p> <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/stage/2015/jan/21/kevin-spacey-to-return-as-clarence-darrow-for-old-vic-swansong">Continue reading...</a>StageTheatreKevin SpaceyMatthew WarchusOld Vic TheatreCultureWed, 21 Jan 2015 13:53:56 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/stage/2015/jan/21/kevin-spacey-to-return-as-clarence-darrow-for-old-vic-swansongPhotograph: Manuel Harlan/GuardianKevin Spacey as Clarence Darrow, in his first run.Photograph: Manuel Harlan/GuardianKevin Spacey as Clarence Darrow, in his first run.Ben Beaumont-Thomas2015-01-21T13:53:56ZThe best answers to your webchat questionshttp://www.theguardian.com/stage/2014/dec/21/the-best-of-culture-webchats-2014
Does John Lydon fear death? How does Flying Lotus see himself in 20 years’ time? How does Tracey Emin deal with the haters? What we’ve learned from a year in webchats …<p><strong>Are you happy?</strong></p> <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/stage/2014/dec/21/the-best-of-culture-webchats-2014">Continue reading...</a>ComedyPop and rockArt and designFilmBooksTelevisionCultureTim MinchinSinéad O'ConnorTracey EminKevin SpaceyFlying LotusSlavoj ZizekWill SelfDebbie HarryHoward JacobsonFiona ShawGilbert & GeorgeSara PascoeWilliam GibsonCatherine TateJohn Cooper ClarkeAmanda PalmerZach BraffKirsty WarkSimon AmstellSun, 21 Dec 2014 18:00:10 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/stage/2014/dec/21/the-best-of-culture-webchats-2014Photograph: Samir Hussein/Redferns via Getty ImagesJohn Lydon.Photograph: Samir Hussein/Redferns via Getty ImagesJohn Lydon.Photograph: MARIO ANZUONI/REUTERSKevin Spacey.Photograph: MARIO ANZUONI/REUTERSKevin Spacey.Photograph: Mike McGregor/Debbie Harry and Chris SteinDebbie Harry and Chris Stein.Photograph: Mike McGregor/Debbie Harry and Chris SteinDebbie Harry and Chris Stein.Photograph: Murdo Macleod/Murdo MacleodSara Pascoe.Photograph: Murdo Macleod/Murdo MacleodSara Pascoe.Photograph: Ben Beaumont-Thomas/GuardianZach Braff.Photograph: Ben Beaumont-Thomas/GuardianZach Braff.Photograph: Nick Pickles/WireImage‘I’ve gone from not having a pot to piss in to having une piscine’ … Tim Minchin.Photograph: Nick Pickles/WireImage‘I’ve gone from not having a pot to piss in to having une piscine’ … Tim Minchin.Guardian Staff2014-12-21T18:00:10ZKevin Spacey: five best momentshttp://www.theguardian.com/film/filmblog/2014/nov/28/kevin-spacey-five-best-moments-horrible-bosses-2
<p>Master of deadpan devilry, as in new release Horrible Bosses 2, we look back at five of the actor’s finest film performances. Which do you think we’ve missed off our list?</p><p>1990s Kevin Spacey: what a glorious man. His knack for embodying a variety of dark and complex characters earned Spacey a reputation that has since extended into voice acting, stage direction and film production. He reprises his turn as Dave Harken in <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/film/2014/nov/27/horrible-bosses-2-review">Horrible Bosses 2</a>, out in UK cinemas this weekend, inspiring us to a look back at his best performances to date. Comment below-the-line and let us know which roles you would choose.</p><p>Full disclosure: we couldn’t find a fitting clip of Spacey in LA Confidential, and that hurts.</p> <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/film/filmblog/2014/nov/28/kevin-spacey-five-best-moments-horrible-bosses-2">Continue reading...</a>FilmCultureKevin SpaceyHorrible Bosses 2American BeautyDramaThrillerComedyFri, 28 Nov 2014 17:30:57 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/film/filmblog/2014/nov/28/kevin-spacey-five-best-moments-horrible-bosses-2Photograph: John P. Johnson/APKevin Spacey (right) facing off against Jason Bateman in film Horrible Bosses.Photograph: John P. Johnson/APKevin Spacey (right) facing off against Jason Bateman in film Horrible Bosses.Photograph: Allstar/Cinetext/DreamworksPhotograph: Allstar/Cinetext/DreamworksTshepo Mokoena2014-11-28T17:30:57ZThe Old Vic: The Story of a Great Theatre from Kean to Olivier to Spacey review – how a temperance hall became a theatrical landmarkhttp://www.theguardian.com/books/2014/nov/16/old-vic-story-of-great-theatre-kean-olivier-spacey-review-temperance-hall-theatrical-landmark
<p>Women of God and stage greats all have a part to play in Terry Coleman’s captivating history of the robust Old Vic</p><p>This splendid history of the Old Vic can be read, from curtain-up, as an extended drama. It will depend on your temperament whether you find it melancholy or invigorating to consider all the great actors – Edmund Kean, <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/stage/2014/jul/11/laurence-olivier-25-years-anniversary-death" title="">Laurence Olivier</a>, <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/film/alec-guinness" title="">Alec Guinness</a>, Ralph Richardson, <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/theobserver/2000/may/28/featuresreview.review" title="">John Gielgud</a>, Peggy Ashcroft – who strutted and fretted on its stage. Either way, one character is more robust than any performer: the theatre itself. The Old Vic remains steadfastly there, a short stroll from Waterloo station. Founded in 1818, it used to hold 3,800 people (as opposed to today’s 1,067) and had an extraordinary glass curtain that weighed five tons, which eventually had to be removed for fear it would bring the house down.</p><p>In 1880, it began a quieter chapter as a temperance hall run by Emma Cons, sedately successful, where coffee was served but Shakespeare was on hold (too much of an intoxicant?). After the death of Miss Cons, Lilian Baylis, her niece, kept the metaphorical kettle boiling, welcomed back Shakespeare and became a theatrical legend as manager. In 1963, Olivier and Tynan founded the National Theatre within its walls and in the early 80s, Ed Mirvish rescued the building from ruin with his millions. Its survival has been as much about luck as management. Yet for more than a decade now, it has had a remarkable artistic director in Kevin Spacey and this seems the perfect moment to take stock as he makes way for <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/stage/2014/may/22/matthew-warchus-kevin-spacey-old-vic-theatre" title="">Matthew Warchus</a>.</p> <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/books/2014/nov/16/old-vic-story-of-great-theatre-kean-olivier-spacey-review-temperance-hall-theatrical-landmark">Continue reading...</a>BiographyBooksTheatreKevin SpaceyLaurence OlivierCultureSun, 16 Nov 2014 10:00:03 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/books/2014/nov/16/old-vic-story-of-great-theatre-kean-olivier-spacey-review-temperance-hall-theatrical-landmarkPhotograph: William Sumits/The LIFE Picture Collection/GettPeople waiting outside the Old Vic Company’s temporary London home at the New theatre (now the Noël Coward) for a performance of School for Scandal in 1949. Photograph: William Sumits/The Life Picture Collection/GettyPhotograph: William Sumits/The LIFE Picture Collection/GettPeople waiting outside the Old Vic Company’s temporary London home at the New theatre (now the Noël Coward) for a performance of School for Scandal in 1949. Photograph: William Sumits/The Life Picture Collection/GettyKate Kellaway2014-11-16T10:00:03ZMichael Shannon and Kevin Spacey to play Elvis and Nixonhttp://www.theguardian.com/film/2014/nov/07/michael-shannon-and-kevin-spacey-to-play-elvis-and-nixon
<p>Script by former actor Cary Elwes explores 1970 meeting during which Presley gave Nixon a gun and asked to be made an agent-at-large in drugs and narcotics bureau</p><p>Michael Shannon and Kevin Spacey will play Elvis Presley and Richard Nixon in the period drama Elvis &amp; Nixon, the story of a bizarre real-life meeting between the 20th-century historical figures in 1970,<a href="http://deadline.com/2014/11/elvis-and-nixon-movie-kevin-spacey-michael-shannon-cast-1201274891/"> reports Deadline</a>.<br />The film, written by actor Cary Elwes, is being touted to investors at the current American Film Market in Santa Monica, California. A previous iteration with Eric Bana and Danny Huston as the king of rock and roll and disgraced president never made it to the production stage, but the introduction of Shannon and Spacey appears certain to pique industry interest.<br />Shannon starred as General Zod in Superman reboot Man of Steel and is coming off the back of an acclaimed small screen turn in HBO’s recently wrapped Boardwalk Empire, as well as starring in Toronto hit 99 Homes. Spacey, a two-time Oscar winner, has received excellent critical notices for his turn as a corrupt and conniving politician in the US remake of House of Cards.</p> <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/film/2014/nov/07/michael-shannon-and-kevin-spacey-to-play-elvis-and-nixon">Continue reading...</a>Michael ShannonFilmKevin SpaceyElvis PresleyRichard NixonFilm industryBiopicsCultureFri, 07 Nov 2014 09:58:53 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/film/2014/nov/07/michael-shannon-and-kevin-spacey-to-play-elvis-and-nixonPhotograph: Kenneth Neil Moore/APMichael Shannon in Gimme Shelter.Photograph: Kenneth Neil Moore/APMichael Shannon in Gimme Shelter.Photograph: AP Photo/White House Photo, File/AP Photo/White House Photo, FileRichard Nixon meets Elvis Presley on 21 December 1970.Photograph: AP Photo/White House Photo, File/AP Photo/White House Photo, FileRichard Nixon meets Elvis Presley on 21 December 1970.Ben Child2014-11-07T09:58:53ZTop six actor-turned-musician breedshttp://www.theguardian.com/music/2014/nov/07/top-five-actor-turned-musician-breeds-guy-pearce
<p>Guy Pearce is not the first Hollywood A-lister to come out of the musical closet. Here are the six main categories actors with musical urges fall into<br>• <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/music/australia-culture-blog/2014/aug/22/neighbours-stars-pop-singers-five-of-the-best">Neighbours stars turned pop singers: five of the best</a><br>• <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/music/australia-culture-blog/2014/nov/07/guy-pearce-broken-bones-review-the-surprise-package-of-2014">Guy Pearce: Broken Bones album review</a></p> <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/music/2014/nov/07/top-five-actor-turned-musician-breeds-guy-pearce">Continue reading...</a>MusicPop and rockUrban musicHip-hopCultureZooey DeschanelMichael CeraScarlett JohanssonHugh LaurieRussell CroweJared LetoKeanu ReevesChildish GambinoDrakeKylie MinogueWilliam ShatnerJoaquin PhoenixRapTelevisionFilmNeighboursKevin SpaceyGuy PearceFri, 07 Nov 2014 08:36:34 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/music/2014/nov/07/top-five-actor-turned-musician-breeds-guy-pearcePhotograph: Channel 4Zooey Deschanel: queen of quirk.Photograph: Channel 4Zooey Deschanel: queen of quirk.Monica Tan2014-11-07T08:36:34ZCall of Duty: Advanced Warfare means 'brand new audience' for Kevin Spaceyhttp://www.theguardian.com/technology/2014/nov/03/kevin-spacey-call-of-duty-advanced-warfare
<p>Interview: ‘You show up, they put dots all over your face, put you in a black jumpsuit, and put a helmet on your head with a camera...’</p><p>“You show up, they put dots all over your face, put you in a black jumpsuit, and put a helmet on your head with a camera pointed at you and a light shining in your eyes.”</p><p>Kevin Spacey has been many things: actor, producer, director and theatre artistic director. Multiple Oscar winner and binge-view-worthy pioneer in the world of original Netflix drama. He’s been <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/culture/2005/oct/05/theatre.art">Richard II</a>, Lester Burnham, Frank Underwood, John Doe, <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/stage/2014/jun/05/clarence-darrow-kevin-spacey-review-old-vic-london">Clarence Darrow</a>, Lex Luthor.</p> <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/technology/2014/nov/03/kevin-spacey-call-of-duty-advanced-warfare">Continue reading...</a>Call of DutyKevin SpaceyGamesGame cultureTechnologyMediaActivision BlizzardNetflixFilmCultureMon, 03 Nov 2014 19:02:19 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/technology/2014/nov/03/kevin-spacey-call-of-duty-advanced-warfarePhotograph: PRKevin Spacey as Jonathan Irons in Call of Duty: Advanced Warfare.Photograph: PRKevin Spacey as Jonathan Irons in Call of Duty: Advanced Warfare.Stuart Dredge2014-11-03T19:02:19ZCelebrity video games - in pictureshttp://www.theguardian.com/technology/2014/oct/13/celebrity-video-games-in-pictures
<p>Celebrities have been happy to grace video games with their presence. So ask no more what Snoop Dogg and Kevin Spacey have in common</p><p><strong>Kevin Spacey </strong></p> <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/technology/2014/oct/13/celebrity-video-games-in-pictures">Continue reading...</a>TechnologyGamesCall of DutyGrand Theft AutoAssassin's CreedChuck NorrisEllen PageWillem DafoeMichael JacksonJonathan RossSnoop DoggOzzy OsbournePhil CollinsKevin SpaceyCultureMon, 13 Oct 2014 22:00:08 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/technology/2014/oct/13/celebrity-video-games-in-picturesPhotograph: PRPhotograph: PRPhotograph: PRPhotograph: PRPhotograph: PRPhotograph: PRPhotograph: PRKevin Spacey - Call of Duty: Advanced WarfarePhotograph: PRKevin Spacey - Call of Duty: Advanced WarfareSophie Morlin-Yron2014-10-13T22:00:08ZJulia Roberts plays Mother Earth and Harrison Ford stars as the Ocean as Hollywood A-list 'speaks out for nature'http://www.theguardian.com/environment/damian-carrington-blog/2014/oct/06/julia-roberts-plays-mother-earth-and-harrison-ford-stars-as-the-ocean-as-hollywood-a-list-speaks-out-for-nature
<p>Kevin Spacey, Edward Norton and Penélope Cruz star in films that warn people need nature, but nature doesn’t need people</p><p>Ecosystem services. You’ve nodded off already, haven’t you? But wake up! Here are some Hollywood A-listers making a decent attempt to move beyond the obscure jargon and reveal the existential nature of what the Earth provides for humanity.</p><p>The <a href="http://natureisspeaking.org/theocean.html">Nature is Speaking</a> initiative is organised by Conservation International with the tag-line: “Nature doesn’t need people. People need nature.” In the series of short films, a part of the world’s abused ecosystem is voiced by a star. Harrison Ford is the angry ocean and Julia Roberts an imperious Mother Nature.</p> <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/environment/damian-carrington-blog/2014/oct/06/julia-roberts-plays-mother-earth-and-harrison-ford-stars-as-the-ocean-as-hollywood-a-list-speaks-out-for-nature">Continue reading...</a>EnvironmentConservationJulia RobertsFilmHarrison FordPenélope CruzCultureKevin SpaceyEdward NortonMon, 06 Oct 2014 17:23:01 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/environment/damian-carrington-blog/2014/oct/06/julia-roberts-plays-mother-earth-and-harrison-ford-stars-as-the-ocean-as-hollywood-a-list-speaks-out-for-naturePhotograph: /Conservation InternationalConservation International launches Nature is speaking campaign videos featuring Julia Roberts, Harrison Ford, Robert Redwood, Penelope Cruz and others.Photograph: /Conservation InternationalConservation International launches Nature is speaking campaign videos featuring Julia Roberts, Harrison Ford, Robert Redwood, Penelope Cruz and others.Damian Carrington2014-10-06T17:23:01ZThe 10 worst music biopics ever madehttp://www.theguardian.com/film/2014/oct/02/10-worst-music-biopics-ever-made
<p>From The Doors to Michael Jackson’s Man in the Mirror: the films that failed to do their subjects any justice whatsoever</p><ul><li><a href="http://www.theguardian.com/film/2014/oct/02/new-wave-of-musical-biopics">The new wave of musical biopics</a></li><li><a href="http://www.theguardian.com/music/2014/oct/02/what-makes-good-musical-biopic">How to make the perfect biopic</a></li></ul><p>Can either be viewed as a biopic of Jerry Lee Lewis, or a 1950s Crank remake starring one of Jedward.</p> <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/film/2014/oct/02/10-worst-music-biopics-ever-made">Continue reading...</a>BiopicsFilmCultureDef LeppardJimi HendrixKevin SpaceyMichael JacksonThu, 02 Oct 2014 17:58:18 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/film/2014/oct/02/10-worst-music-biopics-ever-madePhotograph: Allstar Picture LibraryKevin Kline as Cole Porter.Photograph: Allstar Picture LibraryKevin Kline as Cole Porter.Photograph: GuardianGreat Balls of Fire, De-Lovely and The DoorsPhotograph: GuardianGreat Balls of Fire, De-Lovely and The DoorsPhotograph: /Sportsphoto/Allstar/Cinetext CollectionDennis Quaid as Jerry Lee Lewis … or is it Jedward? Photograph: Sportsphoto/Allstar/Cinetext CollectionPhotograph: /Sportsphoto/Allstar/Cinetext CollectionDennis Quaid as Jerry Lee Lewis … or is it Jedward? Photograph: Sportsphoto/Allstar/Cinetext CollectionStuart Heritage2014-10-02T17:58:18ZAlec Baldwin to play bossy cartoon babyhttp://www.theguardian.com/film/2014/oct/01/alec-baldwin-cartoon-baby-boss-kevin-spacey
<p>Baldwin will lend his voice to a briefcase-carrying tot in DreamWorks’ Boss Baby, with Kevin Spacey as the evil CEO of rival company Puppy Co</p><p><a href="http://www.theguardian.com/film/2013/nov/16/alec-baldwin-i-was-staring-off-a-cliff">• Interview: Alec Baldwin</a></p><p>Alec Baldwin has been cast as a garrulous businessman baby in the latest animated movie from the studio behind Kung Fu Panda and How to Train Your Dragon, <a href="http://variety.com/2014/film/news/alec-baldwin-to-voice-dreamworks-animations-boss-baby-1201317332/">reports Variety</a>.<br />The outspoken star has signed on to voice the lead in Boss Baby, based on Marla Frazee’s <a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/Boss-Baby-Classic-Board-Books/dp/1442487798">illustrated children’s book</a> about a briefcase-carrying, suit-and-tie-sporting sprog. Oscar-winner Kevin Spacey will voice the movie’s villain, Francis E Francis. The plot sees Boss Baby teaming up with his seven-year-old brother to foil the nefarious corporate bad guy’s evil plans.<br />Tom McGrath, who co-directed all three of Dreamworks’ Madagascar movies, is taking charge of the cameras. He will work from a screenplay by Michael McCullers of the Austin Powers films with the aim of a March 2016 release date.</p> <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/film/2014/oct/01/alec-baldwin-cartoon-baby-boss-kevin-spacey">Continue reading...</a>Alec BaldwinAnimationFilmKevin SpaceyCultureWed, 01 Oct 2014 10:40:44 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/film/2014/oct/01/alec-baldwin-cartoon-baby-boss-kevin-spaceyPhotograph: DreamWorks AnimationRusky business … an early sketch from Boss Baby. DreamWorks AnimationPhotograph: DreamWorks AnimationRusky business … an early sketch from Boss Baby. DreamWorks AnimationBen Child2014-10-01T10:40:44ZVaping is ever more popular, but is it a smoking cure or a new hazard?http://www.theguardian.com/society/2014/jul/26/vaping-answer-to-smoking-or-hazard
As the latest figures show that young people are turning away from cigarettes, vaping cafes may be part of the reason why<p>On the wall of Paul Clift-Lands's cafe is a photograph of an oil painting. Painted in 1859, it depicts his great-grandmother as a small girl standing next to some vivid red-and-white flowers. The colours employed by the artist are more vivid in the photograph than in the original. The camera flash penetrated the painting's thick yellow patina caused by exposure to more than a century of tobacco smoke.</p><p>Enjoying a well-earned break in the lull before the lunchtime rush last Thursday morning, Clift-Lands shakes his head as he recalls an era when smoking was the norm. &quot;People forget what it was like in the 60s. You'd walk into any pub and you'd be hit by the fug.&quot;</p> <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/society/2014/jul/26/vaping-answer-to-smoking-or-hazard">Continue reading...</a>SmokingSocietyHealthKevin SpaceyCultureCara DelevingneFashionJohnny DeppFilmSnoop DoggMusicLily AllenUK newsSat, 26 Jul 2014 13:09:51 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/society/2014/jul/26/vaping-answer-to-smoking-or-hazardJames Devaney/WireImageCara Delevingne is one of a growing number of celebrities who have taken up vaping. Photograph: James Devaney/WireImageJames Devaney/WireImageCara Delevingne is one of a growing number of celebrities who have taken up vaping. Photograph: James Devaney/WireImageJamie Doward2014-07-26T13:09:51ZDVDs and downloads: The Invisible Woman, House of Cards, The Motel Life and morehttp://www.theguardian.com/film/2014/jun/15/the-invisible-woman-house-of-cards-the-motel-life-dvd-review
Ralph Fiennes directs an intelligent Dickens biopic, Kevin Spacey plumbs new depths in House of Cards, Stephen Dorff stars in an offbeat road thriller and more<p>The knock-on effect of the World Cup on all manner of arts scheduling extends even to the DVD market: just as <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/film/filmblog/2014/jun/10/22-jump-street-uk-box-office-film-comedy" title="">cinemas aren't sacrificing their premier titles</a> to the devouring distraction of football fever, home entertainment distributors are keeping the shelves pretty bare. Only one major film release is braving the heat this week, and if you had to pick one bit of elegant counter-programming for sports-averse viewers, <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/film/2014/feb/09/invisible-woman-mark-kermode-review" title=""><strong>The Invisible Woman</strong></a> (Lionsgate, 12) is as good as any.</p><p>Ralph Fiennes's second directorial effort is a biopic of rare intelligence and finesse. Detailing the long-hidden affair between Charles Dickens and Nelly Ternan, an aspiring actress three decades his junior, it spares us a Wikipedia-like trudge through the facts and instead locates the emotional specificities of the affair and its fallout.</p> <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/film/2014/jun/15/the-invisible-woman-house-of-cards-the-motel-life-dvd-review">Continue reading...</a>DVD and video reviewsThe Invisible WomanThe Motel LifeRalph FiennesBiopicsKevin SpaceyFilmCultureNetflixMediaHouse of CardsTelevisionDramaUS televisionSat, 14 Jun 2014 23:05:12 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/film/2014/jun/15/the-invisible-woman-house-of-cards-the-motel-life-dvd-reviewDavid ApplebyThe Invisible Woman: 'deserves a fresh look'. Photograph: David ApplebyDavid ApplebyThe Invisible Woman: 'deserves a fresh look'. Photograph: David ApplebyGuy Lodge2014-06-14T23:05:12ZClarence Darrow review – Kevin Spacey's one-man tour de forcehttp://www.theguardian.com/culture/2014/jun/08/clarence-darrow-review-kevin-spacey-old-vic
<strong>Old Vic, London</strong><br />The Old Vic's outgoing artistic director brings the crusading US civil rights lawyer back to life<p>Director Thea's Sharrock's mischievous decision is that our first sighting of Kevin Spacey as the civil rights lawyer Clarence Darrow (1857-1938) is of his legs with no upper body visible: he is under his desk, forcing open a drawer. He is packing up his office. This is a day of reckoning, an excuse to review Darrow's career as one of America's most crusading men. Over 50 years, he saved 102 people from the death penalty, was proactively intolerant of racism and never lost sight of the connection between crime and poverty. The show is also a chance to celebrate Kevin Spacey as he edges towards the end of his career as the Old Vic's artistic director (<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/stage/2014/may/22/matthew-warchus-kevin-spacey-old-vic-theatre" title="">he hands over to Matthew Warchus in 2015</a>). To tease Spacey's fans still further, Sharrock has elected that his next move is to make a hurried exit offstage, as if in search of a missing file, into the darkness of the wings. All this happens wordlessly, within the first two or three minutes. I heard someone behind me whisper, semi-seriously, &quot;Is that it?&quot;</p><p>It isn't – and what follows is not only a tour de force; it's a masterclass in how to make a one-man show feel populated. Darrow's office is dominated by an antiquated green lamp and filled with cartons and empty in-trays (designed by Alan Macdonald). The Old Vic has been artfully reconfigured so that the stage is in the round – the office doubles as courtroom and the audience is the jury. Spacey begins by taking a long, hard stare at us. He will take many a calculated liberty with individuals – shaking one person's hand, railing against another, making a third shift in her seat so he can sit down next to her while broadcasting his approval of the principle of &quot;free love&quot;.</p> <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/culture/2014/jun/08/clarence-darrow-review-kevin-spacey-old-vic">Continue reading...</a>Kevin SpaceyOld Vic TheatreStageTheatreCultureClarence DarrowLawSat, 07 Jun 2014 23:05:31 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/culture/2014/jun/08/clarence-darrow-review-kevin-spacey-old-vicManuel HarlanKevin Spacey as Clarence Darrow offers 'a masterclass in how to make a one-man show feel populated'. Photograph: Manuel HarlanManuel HarlanKevin Spacey as Clarence Darrow offers 'a masterclass in how to make a one-man show feel populated'. Photograph: Manuel HarlanKate Kellaway2014-06-07T23:05:31Z